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Afraid to Exercise...

Start with your Breathing

A completely free, private, 1-on-1 breathing challenge designed exclusively for individuals with physical challenges, chronic illness, or limited mobility.

Traditional Exercise Wasn't Built For Us.

If you live with a physical challenge, the idea of starting an "exercise program" can feel incredibly daunting. You are not making excuses, you are protecting yourself.  You might be... 

  • afraid of getting hurt or pushing yourself too hard

  • worried that you may make your condition worse

  • protecting your energy, you don't want to drain yourself  

  • feeling left behind in group classes that don't accommodate

  • You Don't Need A Difficult Workout, You Need A Safe Place To Start.

    Welcome to my "launchpad"... a 5-Day Breathing Challenge.  I am bypassing the gym, weights, equipment and cardio to focus on the safest, zero-impact tool that you possess - Your Breathing.  You are already breathing all of the time, so let's take advantage and build on it.
    Proper breathing can manage pain, restore energy, calm your nervous system, massage your organs and engage your core without stressing your body.

    Why this Challenge is different...

  • 100% Private - We meet 1-on-1 via Zoom. No Groups. No Comparing.

  • Zero Impact - You can do this seated, lying down, or in whatever position you feel safe and comfortable.

  • Low Commitment - Just 30 minutes a day for 5 days.

  • Fully Tailored - Because we are meeting privately, I adapt every technique to your body's capabilities.

  • I'm Frank, And I Get It Because I Live It.

    I struggle with FSHD... Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy.  FSHD is a specific type of muscular dystrophy.  It is a rare, degenerative muscle disease, a genetic mutation that can be passed from generation to generation. FSHD causes progressive muscle loss and weakness. It affects one-in-8000 people. The symptoms can be mild or severe. There currently is no cure or approved therapies for the treatment of FSHD

    "I joke that I wrestle with a bag of groceries and the groceries usually win."

    Living with FSHD presents daily challenges to tasks that most people take for granted. Some daily tasks often require significant planning and effort. Walking is tiring, climbing stairs is my latest challenge. I wear a leg brace to prevent falls. Lifting objects (like a bag of groceries) is a challenge as the muscles in the shoulders, upper arms and core are weak. Facial muscles are impacted, making it hard to close my eyes, and for others, it's  hard to even smile. I can’t leave out the constant mental adjustments needed to find alternative ways to accomplish simple daily tasks like washing my hair or reaching a cup on a shelf. I lose my balance for no apparent reason, and I am "that person" who takes the elevator to go one floor.

    Why Breathing?

    I started practicing Kung Fu long before I ever heard of FSHD. Along the way I also learned Qigong and started practicing Tai Chi. When I was diagnosed with FSHD these practices became my daily routine. I believe they help me fight back against the disease.

    I practice my forms and breathing exercises everyday...
    and that's what this 5 Day Breathing Challenge is all about... breathing.  It's a safe, gentle place for you to start.

    Here's How The

    5 Day Challenge Works

    • Step 1: Schedule your Meeting

    • We will do a quick assessment.

    • Step 2: Start the Challenge

    • We start 1-on-1  ASAP depending on YOUR schedule

    • Step 3: 5 Days - 5 Unique Challenges

    • I build YOUR challenge based on YOUR abilities.

    Ready to take your first safe step?

    Because these are private, 1-on-1 sessions, I only have a limited number of spots available each week.

    Fill out the form to claim yours.

    Testimonials

    "Inspiring and Impactful"

    ""His dedication to helping others with FSHD (muscular dystrophy) fight back against their daily struggles is evident in the carefully designed exercises he shares.

    June

    Massachusetts

    "I am so appreciative"

    "Frank has a great knack for identifying the need for different learning styles.  This is extremely important when working with individuals with a chronic, debilitating, progressive muscle wasting disease."

    Ranae

    Washington

    "Stronger than when I started"

    " I am challenged both physically and mentally in performing the strength training. I feel much stronger and confident than I did when I started.

    woman smiling

    Susan

    North Carolina

    Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ

    Do I need to be able to stand up or get on the floor to do this?

    Absolutely not. This entire 5-day challenge is zero-impact and fully adaptable. You can complete these breathing techniques seated in a chair, resting in a wheelchair, or lying completely flat in bed. Because we work 1-on-1, I will adapt every single movement to fit exactly where your body is most comfortable and supported.

    Will this cause a flare-up or make my condition worse?

    My number one rule is safety! We do not push through pain. Traditional fitness often triggers flare-ups because it stresses the joints and central nervous system. Breathwork does the exact opposite. We are using your breath to "hit the brakes" on your nervous system, signaling to your brain and body that you are safe.  This is designed to relieve tension, not create it.

    I have very little energy. Will this exhaust me?

    I completely understand the need to protect your energy. This is not a sweaty, draining workout. Our sessions are only 30 minutes long, and the specific breathing techniques we practice are actually designed to restore your energy and oxygenate your body without exhausting your muscles.

    Do I need any special equipment or workout clothes?

    No equipment is needed at all! You don't even need to change your clothes. Wear whatever you want that is loose, comfortable and non-restrictive.

    Why is the 1-on-1 instead of a group class?

    If you have a physical challenge, group classes can often feel intimidating, too fast, or just not built for your body. I keep this challenge strictly 1-on-1 because your body’s needs are unique. Working privately allows me to give you my full attention, adapt immediately to how you are feeling that day, and ensure you feel completely seen and safe.

    Is this really free? What is the catch?

    It is 100% free. As someone living with FSHD Muscular Dystrophy, I know how hard it is to find a safe starting point. I offer this 5-day challenge because I want you to experience the relief of moving your body safely without financial pressure. At the end of the 5 days, I will share details about my comprehensive 6-week paid program in case you want to continue our work together, but there is absolutely zero pressure or obligation to join.

    I’m not very tech-savvy. Is Zoom hard to use?

    Not at all. Once we pick a time that works for you, I will email you a single link. When it is time for our session, you just click that link, and it will bring you directly into our private meeting room.

    I know you have a background in Qigong and Tai Chi. Do I need to know anything about martial arts or meditation?

    No experience is required. While the breathing exercises are rooted in the ancient, proven principles of Kung Fu, Qigong, and Tai Chi, I have adapted them to be incredibly simple and straightforward. There is nothing confusing, mystical, or complicated here. I break everything down into small, simple steps that anyone can follow.

    © 2026 Frank Hanley      email [email protected]